Mental Health for Educators
Conversation Guide
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Schools have been hit hard the past few years with COVID-19, an added complication to the already complex task of teaching the rising generation, dealing with staffing shortages and operating within budget constraints. Calls have gone out for more resources, better pay, and more support along with gratitude for the essential work of educators. How does all of this impact educators and their mental health? How do educators deal with the mental health challenges their students face? The need for this conversation touches all those involved in education, whether urban or rural schools, public or private schools.
Let's Get Started!
Living Room Conversations offers a simple, sociable and structured way to practice communicating across differences while building understanding and relationships. Typically, 4-6 people meet in person or by video call for about 90 minutes to listen to and be heard by others on one of our nearly 100 topics. Rather than debating or convincing others, we take turns talking to share, learn, and be curious. No preparation is required, though background links with balanced views are available on some topic pages online. Anyone can host using these italicized instructions. Hosts also participate.
Introductions:
Why We're Here (~10 min)
Each participant has 1 minute to introduce themselves.
Share your name, where you live, what drew you here, and if this is your first conversation.
Conversation Agreements:
How We'll Engage (~5 min)
These will set the tone of our conversation; participants may volunteer to take turns reading them aloud. (Click here for the full conversation agreements.)
- Be curious and listen to understand.
- Show respect and suspend judgment.
- Note any common ground as well as any differences.
- Be authentic and welcome that from others.
- Be purposeful and to the point.
- Own and guide the conversation.
Question Rounds:
What We’ll Talk About
Optional: a participant can keep track of time and gently let people know when their time has elapsed.
Round 1:
Getting to Know Each Other (~10 min)
Each participant can take 1-2 minutes to answer one of these questions:
- What are your hopes and concerns for your family, community and/or the country?
- What would your best friend say about who you are?
- What sense of purpose / mission / duty guides you in your life?
Round 2:
Mental Health for Educators (~40 min)
One participant can volunteer to read the paragraph at the top of the web page.
Take ~2 minutes each to answer a question below without interruption or crosstalk. After everyone has answered, the group may take a few minutes for clarifying or follow up questions/responses. Continue exploring additional questions as time allows..
- Why did you want to become a teacher? Is the profession what you thought it would be? Why or why not?
- How has the classroom/school changed since you first entered the profession? Which changes have been the most challenging for you and/or those you teach?
- What does self-care look like for you as an educator? What would make you feel more valued as an educator?
- What do you wish the community understood about your work? How could others best support educators?
- What are hopes for education moving forward? What is one thing you think would make the greatest impact in education right now?
Round 3:
Reflecting on the Conversation (~15 min)
Take 2 minutes to answer one of the following questions:
- What was most meaningful / valuable to you in this Living Room Conversation?
- What learning, new understanding or common ground was found on the topic?
- How has this conversation changed your perception of anyone in this group?
- Is there a next step you would like to take based upon the conversation?
